A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association warns that the threat of heart disease and stroke is growing substantially among women and girls, with 6 in 10 U.S. women projected to have at least one type of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by 2050. The findings, published in the peer-reviewed journal Circulation, point to rising rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity as key drivers. Nearly 32% of girls ages 2-19 may have obesity by 2050, highlighting the impact on younger generations.
"Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women and remains their No. 1 health risk overall," said Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association. "While many people may think conditions like high blood pressure are only occurring in older women, we know this is not the case. We know the factors that contribute to heart disease and stroke begin early in life, even among young women and girls." The report notes that adverse social determinants of health, such as poverty, low literacy, and rural residence, amplify the impact.
However, the report also offers positive news: rates of high cholesterol are expected to decline among nearly all groups of women, and improvements are anticipated in health behaviors such as healthier eating, more physical activity, and less smoking. The American Heart Association emphasizes prevention through Life's Essential 8, which includes four health behaviors (eat better, be more active, quit tobacco, get healthy sleep) and four health factors (manage weight, control cholesterol, manage blood sugar, manage blood pressure).
To reduce CVD prevalence, the report recommends promoting healthy choices in places where people learn, live, and receive care, such as schools, community centers, and clinics. Digital tools can encourage positive lifestyle changes. Managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity early is crucial, especially for women at higher risk. Coordinated care across specialties should be integrated before, during, and after pregnancy, and research should explore how lifestyle changes and hormone therapy around menopause impact heart health.
Health systems should consider how social challenges—such as access to healthy food, transportation, or safe housing—combine with medical risks, designing interventions that improve heart health in each setting. For more advice, visit Heart.org.
